From footfiles to fake tan: The ultimate guide to summertime footcare

OUR feet have a hard time of it. We walk all day on them, squeezing them into unsuitable shoes with pointy toes and killer heels. Then, come summer, when the shops are full of strappy sandals, we often wish we had taken better care of them.

It can be a bit of a chore to look after your feet, particularly when they’re not on show for most of the year. But neglecting them can lead to callouses, hard skin, discoloured nails and bunions.

Victoria Beckham has long suffered from painful bunions as a result of wearing high heels and this June Prime Minister Theresa May was pictured baring bunions of her own while on holiday in Italy.

They are by no means alone. Indeed, recent research revealed that almost half of British women cover their feet during summer, blaming hard, dry skin and cracked heels. But help is at hand thanks to the latest tricks and treatments designed to transform toes and freshen up your feet.

Here we share our top picks.

CRACKED HEELS

The number one foot problem we see in the clinic is dry skin and cracked heels. This is especially common in summer when flip-flops or other shoes which offer no support are worn, causing a build-up of layers of dead skin. Try: The skin on the soles of the feet doesn’t have any oil glands which is why it can easily become dry and flaky. Get rid of this dead skin with a foot file. Choose a stainless steel version as they are more effective and will last longer, such as Margaret Dabbs Professional Foot File, £24 (margaretdabbs.co.uk). Use on dry skin – filing when wet will not work as well – and moisturise feet daily to prevent cracked heels. For some serious TLC slather on What Skin Needs Cracked Skin Cream, £8.99 (whatskinneeds.co.uk), put on a pair of thick socks and wear overnight.

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The number one foot problem we see in the clinic is dry skin and cracked heels

DISCOLOURED NAILS

This is a common problem that affects around one in 10 adults and is usually caused by a toenail fungus. Most types are harmless but they generally thrive in warm, dark moist conditions and may be caused by trauma to the nail, inflammation from an ingrown toenail or untreated athlete’s foot. Try: Good hygiene habits are essential, so wash feet daily and always dry thoroughly. Most fungal nail infections can be treated an anti-fungal cream to apply or you could try rubbing a small dollop of Vicks VapoRub, £4.35 (boots.com) into the affected areas daily. But be patient as this method can take time. Always trim nails and file off any white spots before treating. The Lunula Cold Laser (thelondonnaillaserclinic.co.uk) is the latest in-clinic solution for fungal infections. Priced from £199 for one foot and £399 for both, the high-tech treatment takes 12 minutes and is pain-free.

FURRY FEET

As we get older unwanted hair on the body becomes more common. It can appear on the feet too, especially around the toes and on top of the feet. Try: Tweezers will get rid of pesky hairs quickly. Choose a slanted pair, such as Tweezerman Slant Tweezers, £21.95 (boots.com) for ease and always tweeze in the direction of hair growth. Wax strips are also a quick and fuss-free option worth considering. Try Nair Cherry Blossom Body Wax Strips, £6.99 (superdrug.com) which don’t require heating and pick up even the shortest hairs.

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Victoria Beckham has long suffered from painful bunions as a result of wearing high heels

SPIDER VEINS

More than 60 per cent of us have spider veins on our feet which can spoil the look of a strappy sandal. Try: A good fake tan will disguise the appearance of spider veins. James Read Fool Proof Bronzing Mousse, £18 (jamesreadtan.com) develops into a natural streak-free tan and contains cooling cucumber and aloe vera. For a more permanent solution, try IPL (intense pulsed light). During treatment, veins are zapped with a laser causing them to collapse and be absorbed by the body. Costs vary but expect to pay from about £100 per area.

WORN OUT PADS

As we age the protective pockets of fat under the balls of the feet and the soles can disappear, making standing and walking painful. Most people will lose these fat pads by 65 but it can happen from age 50 onwards. Try: Although you can’t stop the fat thinning out, wearing shock-absorbent shoes will help to cushion feet. Silicone insoles may help too. In the clinic, a filler can also be used to build the fat pockets back up. Available at most cosmetic clinics, the effect will last from three to six months and costs from £250.

SWEATY SOLES

There are more than 250,000 sweat glands in our feet, which produce up to half a cup of sweat a day. Excessive sweating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing but is easily treatable. Try: Wash feet regularly using lukewarm water. Use talcum powder after you shower and throughout the day – it’s great for controlling humidity – and invest in absorbent and odour-fighting insoles for your shoes. The best cure however is Botox. A few strategically placed injections can stop sweating at the source and results can last for four months or more. From £250.

BYE-BYE BUNIONS

Usually caused by badly fitting shoes, a bunion is a bony deformity at the base of the big toe that develops when the toe becomes angled inwards. Try: Bunion pads bought from the pharmacy can relieve pressure, along with special insoles for your shoes. But if they become very swollen and painful, a surgical procedure can remove the bunion and realign the bones. What was once traditionally considered a painful procedure can now be safely carried out as a one-day operation under local or general anaesthetic. It involves removing some of the bone and then realigning it within the foot. The procedure is available on the NHS or privately, when you can expect to pay about £4,000. Ask your GP for a referral.

For advice on cosmetic surgery, consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips, see lesleyreynolds.com